Protesters take to Israeli streets demanding coalition with Arab parties

Rival demonstrators clash over inclusion of Arab parties in Israeli government. (Photo/Reuters)

Demonstrators have rallied across several Israeli cities to demand the formation of a government incorporating Arab parties, whilst right-wing activists staged counter-demonstrations opposing their inclusion and calling for fresh elections.

Israeli daily Haaretz reported that thousands gathered at Habima Square in central Tel Aviv, calling for a governing alliance alongside the Joint List and the United Arab List (Ra'am).

Demonstrators held signs reading: "Through partnership and equality, we change the government" and "The people gave you their support — form a government now", before marching towards Rabin Square.

Similar demonstrations unfolded at Paris Square in Jerusalem, the auditorium plaza in Haifa, across Beersheba, and at the Ras Amer junction near Tira and Tayibe.

Protesters in Tel Aviv and Haifa carried signs displaying the numbers "67" and "53", illustrating the parliamentary distribution following Tuesday's national poll.

Factions opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 67 seats in the 120-member Knesset—comprising 48 seats for Jewish parties in the change bloc and 19 for Arab parties—against 53 seats for Netanyahu's right-wing alliance.

Right-wing counter-protest

Concurrently, hundreds of right-wing demonstrators gathered at Habima Square to reject any inclusion of Arab parties.

Counter-protesters chanted "Bibi is king of Israel", "The people want election integrity", and "The people demand new elections".

Although police designated a separate perimeter, dozens of right-wing activists entered the zone allocated to the pro-partnership demonstration.

Despite commanding a combined 67-seat majority, most Zionist opposition party leaders have refused to construct a governing coalition dependent on Arab lists, according to The Times of Israel.

This stance leaves the Jewish opposition factions with 48 seats—five behind Netanyahu's camp and short of the 61 required for an absolute majority.

Consequently, neither Netanyahu nor his Zionist rivals can build an administration without Arab party votes or cross-bloc defections.

Ra'am has reiterated its willingness to enter government, whilst Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen affirmed his party is ready to facilitate the removal of Netanyahu's administration.

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Source: TRT